Local Catholics gather to pray for retiring pope

Catholics in Manchester joined others around the world Thursday in marking the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI.

Bells rang in Manchester from 11:52 a.m. to 2 p.m., the official time the pope's retirement began. The eight minutes marked his eight years of service as pope.

"I think he is a wonderful man, and he made the right decision," said Helene Canotas, who attended a celebratory Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral.

"I looked forward to this," said parishioner Paul Sage. "I've been up early this morning to just be here."

Every seat in the cathedral was taken as Manchester Bishop Peter Libasci talked about the outgoing pope. Libasci said that while Benedict caught everyone off guard with his decision to retire, he is also helping to lead the church into a bright future.

"Even in this, he is teaching us something yet again," Libasci said. "He is taking this opportunity to show us the church in its tradition and its possibility."

Libasci said Benedict's retirement should be a happy time, and a celebration was in order.

"We love the Holy Father, and he has been such a good pope and a wonderful teacher, but we want him to rest and put down the burdens of office if that is what he wants," Libasci said.